Fischler Report: Bruins' Ference a family man

After playing a decisive role in the Bruins Cup run last season,
defenseman Andrew Ference knows what it takes to
win in the playoffs.

The Edmonton native has set a career-high in goals this season
with six and is one of the main reasons why Boston has given up the
second fewest goals in the Eastern Conference.

TFR’s Nick Slade interviewed Ference
on the following topics:

* FAVORITE OFF-ICE ACTIVITIES:

What I like to do the most when I’m away from hockey is
spending time with my children. I love being with my family and we
always take trips back to Alberta to visit my family.

I don’t get to see my family too often during the season
so when I do I cherish every moment I get with them.

* PASSION AWAY FROM HOCKEY:

Surfing whenever I get a chance during the off-season.
I’ve surfed in Hawaii and Brazil and it’s something
that I find relaxes me but is different at the same time.

This summer I plan on surfing in different parts of California
and Brazil.

* THOUGHTS ON THE SEASON:

We’ve played well at times but the start of the season
wasn’t what we expected. Our club was experiencing the Cup
hangover from last Summer and we weren’t prepared.

However, we got through the struggles and played like
we’re capable of for most of the season. We can improve on
every aspect and we know we have to continue working before the
playoffs.

* PLAYING IN PORTLAND:

It was a fantastic experience to be able to play in the Western
Hockey League and with the Winterhawks.

It taught me how to be a professional both on and off the ice as
well as the importance of coming to the rink prepared. It’s
something that I’m grateful to have experienced.

If my children have the opportunity to be able to play in
juniors, I would recommend it because it prepares a young hockey
player the best for the NHL.

* CHANCES THE BRUINS HAVE AT WINNING THE CUP AGAIN:

Our club has the understanding of what it takes to win in the
playoffs and we believe we can do it again this year.

We have the majority of the same players from last
season’s roster but what’s different this season is
that we know what to expect. Claude Julien will have us ready
physically and mentally for the postseason.

CAN THE BRUINS REPEAT AS CUP CHAMPS?

When the Bruins defeated the Rangers 2-1 at Madison Square
Garden on Sunday night, Claude Julien’s team
served notice that, yes, it can beat the best.

The question is: Will Boston be capable of winning a second
straight Cup?

Our man in Beantown, Jared Lane, offers this
view:

Defensive responsibility has been the foundation of the Bruins
since the hiring of Julien in 2007.

Tuesday night’s match-up with the Penguins serves as the
perfect test for Boston to prove it once again is a serious
contender to represent the Eastern Conference in the Finals.

Completing the daunting task of shutting down Evgeni
Malkin and Sidney Crosby will send a
message to any potential playoff foe that the Bruins are ready to
defend their championship.

Captain Zdeno Chara stated the importance of a
potential victory and the teams psyche into the playoffs.

“We’re on the right track, says Chara. “But
there’s always room to improve and get better.”

Boston has the confidence to be victorious in a tight, defensive
game, which has become the staple of post-lockout playoff
hockey.

This entails limiting shots to the outside, clogging shooting
lanes and clearing all rebounds. From there on, Tim Thomas will be
able to handle the rest.

“That’s our plan, to play defense,” says
David Krejci. “It’s the kind of
game we want to play and the kind of game we should
play.”

The Rangers learned that on Sunday night. We’ll see what
happens next to Pittsburgh.

GOSSIP

In the intensely competitive race for the Adams Award for
NHL’s best coach – John
Tortorella (Melrose, Mass.) vs. Ken
Hitchcock vs. Paul
MacLean vs. Dan Bylsma –
the most overlooked of the pack is Kevin Dineen but
his Panthers must make the playoffs for him to get
serious consideration. ...

No NHL team will be following the Frozen Four –
starting Thursday – more avidly than the
Rangers and GM Glen
Sather. Boston
College’sChris
Kreider looms large in
the Rangers' blueprints and
conceivably could make the big club for the playoff
crunch.

This article originally included a quote
from Bruins defensemen Andrew Ference regarding an estimated time
that Collective Bargaining Agreement discussions could be settled.
It gave an incorrect statement about when Ference believed the
talks might be completed. Ference did not say that the CBA talks
would be completed around the time the Free Agency would begin this
Summer. We apologize for the error.